RECREATIONAL METAL DETECTING
PILOT PROGRAM
Arkansas State Parks will implement a pilot program to allow the use of metal detectors in State Parks from the day after Labor Day, 2004, through the weekend preceding Memorial Day, 2005. At that time an evaluation of the program will be conducted.
During this program, metal detecting will be allowed at public swim beaches only which are located at the following parks: Crowley’s Ridge, Daisy, DeGray Lake Resort, Lake Charles, Lake Catherine, Lake Ouachita, Lake Dardanelle, Woolly Hollow, Village Creek.
Rules and procedures regarding the use of metal detectors will be:
• May occur from the day after Labor Day through the weekend preceding Memorial Day Sunday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Dectectorists must register at the park visitor center, complete the registration form, and have it on their person when metal detecting.
• Digging implements and hole sizes will be regulated.
• Items of historical and/or archeological significance will not be removed. Park staff must be contacted immediately upon the discovery of such items.
• Uncovered “valuables” will be left at the park office until a reasonable time has passed for the original owner to claim the item (30 days—checking with AG’s office—Ark. Lost and Found laws—Excludes coins in circulation). Detectorists must complete a found property report before leaving the park. If no claim is made within the thirty days, the item may be collected by the finder.
Metal detectorists shall:
• Observe all laws, regulations, and procedures;
• Observe the metal detectors code of ethics;
• Never destroy or disturb park facilities, natural features, or historical/archeological resources;
• Conduct themselves with thoughtfulness, courtesy, and consideration for others by not interfering with other recreational activities or allowing any emitted sound that is audible to other park users;
• Limit digging implements to ice picks, screwdrivers, and probes not to exceed two (2") inches in width and sand scoops not to exceed six (6") inches in width and eight (8") inches in length, containing perforations no less than one-half (1/2") inch in width, to be used only on sand surfaces;
• Limit any holes dug to six (6") inches maximum depth, refill holes immediately following searches, and restore surfaces to previous conditions;
• Properly dispose of all found or recovered trash or litter.